Interview Questions
You may feel that there are certain questions that have the potential to flummox you. These may include questions that appear to be an invitation to shoot yourself in the foot and those asking you to think about yourself in a different way, such as:- what is your biggest weakness;
- what would you say has been your greatest failure;
- how would your friends describe you;
- if you were an animal/biscuit, what would you be?
One of the reasons that questions like these are asked at all is to see how you react. Relax, be honest, keep in mind the points that you want to make about yourself and turn the matter around so that you can emphasise the positive whilst minimising weaker areas. In answer to the first question, you might say that you tend to be a perfectionist, which can cause time management problems but that you have realised this and now ensure you allocate your time effectively to meet deadlines.
The same strategy can also be used with questions asking you to think about yourself in a different way. It is unlikely that your friends would highlight all of the strengths that you would like to lay claim to but the question focuses very much on your relationships with other people. Your answer could cover your loyalty, your understanding or your readiness to help. The problem is that it is sometimes difficult to say things like ‘my friends think I’m loyal…’ without sounding presumptuous and you may find it easier to preface these glowing attributes with, ‘I think that my friends would say…’ or ‘I hope that my friends would say…’.
Don’t let the interviewer get personal. Recruiters are subject to legal action if they discriminate on the grounds of gender, race, religion or disability. You should politely decline to answer personal questions where personal subjects have no relevance to the job.
Popular Interview Questions
Q: “Tell me a little about your work history to date?”
This is often used to put you at ease “an icebreaker”. The question gives you an opportunity to settle into the interview situation, read the body language of your interviewer(s) and present a quick potted history of relevant work experience. It is not an opportunity to ramble on aimlessly about your upbringing etc. Keep the response factual and informative. Prepare an answer to this question in advance in anticipation of being asked so that you will be comfortable in responding. Practise giving the answer at home preferably in front of a mirror where you can see and evaluate the impression that you are creating. Remember the old adage “First impressions are often the best impressions!”
This question is often asked as:- "Tell me about yourself?"
If the context isn't clear, you need to know more about the question before giving an answer. In such a situation, you could ask, "Is there a particular aspect of my background that you would like me to discuss?" This will enable the interviewer to help you find the appropriate focus and avoid discussing matters which are unimportant to the interview process.
Be sure that your response has some relevance to your professional endeavours and experience. If you feel that the question is aimed at describing your character attributes then your response should demonstrate, or refer to, one or more of your key behavioral profiles in action--perhaps honesty, integrity, being a team player, or determination. You can tell a story about yourself outside of work that also speaks volumes about you at work. In part, your answer should make the connection between the two, such as, "I put my heart into everything I do, whether it be sports or work. I find that getting along with teammates--or professional peers--makes life more enjoyable and productive."
Or you might describe yourself as someone who is able to communicate with a variety of people, so give an example from your personal life that indicates an ability to communicate that would also apply at work.
Use this as an opportunity to promote yourself in the context that you would like the interviewer(s) to perceive. Sell yourself without going beyond reasonable boundaries. Don’t make claims that you cannot back up later on.
Q: "Why do you want to work for our company?"
To answer this question, you will need to have researched the company and built a good understanding of their business, goals and infrastructure. Reply with the company's attributes as you see them and ask for confirmation that your impressions are well founded. Cap your answer with reference to your belief that the company can provide you with a stable and happy work environment--the company has that reputation--and that such an atmosphere would encourage your best work.
“ My understanding is that your company provides a work environment which will give me the opportunity to both expand my skills and to make a meaningful contribution to what I understand is an excellent level of service ( or a product range which has a good reputation in this field)………”
Q: Why should I hire you?
Your answer should be short and to the point. It should highlight the areas from your background that relate to current needs and problems. Recap the interviewer's description of the job, meeting it point by point with your skills.
Finish your answer with a summary which encapsulates your response: "I have the qualifications you need [itemize them], I'm a team player, I take direction, and I have the desire to make a thorough success."
Q: "What did you like/dislike about your last job?"
The interviewer is looking for incompatibilities. If a trial lawyer says he or she dislikes arguing a point with colleagues, such a statement will only weaken--if not immediately destroy--his or her candidacy.
Most interviews start with a preamble by the interviewer about the company. Pay attention: That information will help you answer the question. In fact, any statement the interviewer makes about the job or corporation can be used to your advantage.
So, in answer, you liked everything about your last job. You might even say your company taught you the importance of certain keys from the business, achievement, or professional profile. Criticising a prior employer is a warning flag that you could be a problem employee. No one intentionally hires trouble, and that's what's behind the question. Keep your answer short and positive. You are allowed only one negative about past employers, and only then if your interviewer has a "hot button" about his or her department or company; if so, you will have written it down on your notepad. For example, the only thing your past employer could not offer might be something like "the ability to contribute more in different areas"
You might continue with, "I really liked everything about the job. The reason I want to leave it is to find a position where I can make a greater contribution. You see, I work for a large company that encourages specialisation of skills. The smaller environment you have here will, allow me to contribute far more in different areas." Tell them what they want to hear--replay the hot button.
Of course, if you interview with a large company, turn it around. "I work for a small company and don't get the time to specialise in one or two major areas."
Q: "What would you like to be doing five years from now?"
The safest answer contains a desire to be regarded as a true professional and team player. As far as promotion, that depends on finding a manager with whom you can grow. Of course, you will ask what opportunities exist within the company before being any more specific: "From my research and what you have told me about the growth here, it seems operations is where the heavy emphasis is going to be. It seems that's where you need the effort and where I could contribute toward the company's goals." Or, "I have always felt that first-hand knowledge and experience open up opportunities that one might never have considered, so while at this point in time I plan to be a part of [e.g.] operations, it is reasonable to expect that other exciting (interesting, worthwhile, challenging) opportunities will crop up in the meantime."
Q: "What are your biggest achievements?"
Keep your answers job related. You might begin your reply with: "Although I feel my biggest achievements are still ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with . . . I made my contribution as part of that team and learned a lot in the process. We did it with hard work, concentration, and an eye for the bottom line."
Q: "Can you work under pressure?"
You might be tempted to give a simple "yes" or "no" answer, but don't. It reveals nothing, and you lose the opportunity to sell your skills and value profiles. Actually, this common question often comes from an unskilled interviewer, because it is closed-ended. As such, the question does not give you the chance to elaborate. Whenever you are asked a closed-ended question, mentally add: "Please give me a brief yet comprehensive answer." Do that, and you will give the information requested and seize an opportunity to sell yourself. For example, you could say: "Yes, I usually find it stimulating. However, I believe in planning and proper management of my time to reduce panic deadlines within my area of responsibility."
Q: "Why should I hire you?"
Your answer should be short and to the point. It should highlight areas from your background that relate to current needs and problems. Recap the interviewer's description of the job, meeting it point by point with your skills. Finish your answer with: "I have the qualifications you need [itemize them], I'm a team player, I take direction, and I have the desire to make a thorough success." “ I can make a significant contribution to the department/area/… where this position is located ….. “
Q: "How do you take direction?"
The interviewer wants to know whether you are open - minded and can be a team player. Can you follow directions or are you a difficult, high-maintenance employee? Hopefully, you are a low-maintenance professional who is motivated to ask clarifying questions about a project before beginning, and who then gets on with the job at hand, coming back to initiate requests for direction as circumstances dictate.
This particular question can also be defined as "How do you take direction?" and "How do you accept criticism?" Your answer should cover both points: "I take direction well and recognise that it can come in two varieties, depending on the circumstances. There is carefully explained direction, when my boss has time to lay things out for me in detail; then there are those times when, as a result of deadlines and other pressures, the direction might be brief and to the point. While I have seen some people get upset with that, personally I've always understood that there are probably other considerations I am not aware of. As such, I take the direction and get on with the job without taking offense, so my supervisor can get on with his/her job. It's the only way."
Q: "What is the most difficult situation you have faced?"
The question looks for information on two fronts: How do you define difficult? and, what was your handling of the situation? You must have a story, one in which the situation was tough and one which will allow you to show yourself in a good light. Avoid talking about problems that have to do with co-workers. You can talk about the difficult decision to fire someone, but emphasise that once you had examined the problem and reached a conclusion you acted quickly and professionally, with the best interests of the company at heart.
Q: "What are some of the things that bother you?" "What are your pet hates?" "Tell me about the last time you felt anger on the job."
These questions are so similar that they can be treated as one. It is tremendously important that you show you can remain calm. Most of us have seen a co-worker lose his or her cool on occasion--not a pretty sight and one that every sensible employer wants to avoid. This question comes up more and more often the higher up the corporate ladder you climb, and the more frequent your contact with clients and the general public. To answer it, find something that angers conscientious workers. "I enjoy my work and believe in giving value to my employer.”
Q: Question regarding “Hard Work Ethics”
When interviewing with companies, you will often be asked questions that seem straightforward to answer. However more often than not - a ‘yes’ ‘no’ answer is not good enough. Always try to back up what you are saying with examples, as this will validate what you are trying to say.
Sample Question: "Would your current boss describe you as the type of person who goes that extra mile?"
Answer: "Absolutely. In fact, on my annual evaluations, he writes that I am the most dependable and flexible person on his staff. I think this is mostly because of my ability to prioritise."
Advice: Share an example or experience that demonstrates your dependability or willingness to tackle a tough project. If you describe "long hours of work," make sure that you prove the hours were productive, and not the result of poor time management.
Q: "Do you prefer working with others or alone?"
This question is usually used to determine whether you are a team player. Before answering, however, be sure you know whether the job requires you to work alone - then answer appropriately. Perhaps: "I'm quite happy working alone when necessary. I don't need much constant reassurance. But I prefer to work in a group--so much more gets achieved when people pull together."
Q: Question regarding “Personal Weakness”
More often than not, you will be asked about your weaknesses in an interview. If this seems daunting, follow the interview tips below;
Sample Question: "Looking at your own resume, what do you think your weaknesses are regarding this job?"
Answer: “I believe that my skills and abilities are a good fit for this position. Do you have any specific concerns?"
Advice: Take the opportunity to turn the question around and find out what they think your weaknesses are.
Q: Question regarding “Standing Out”
You may be asked to separate yourself from other candidates who may be more qualified or may be less of a risk-factor.
Sample Question: "What new skills or ideas do you bring to the job that our internal candidates don't offer?"
Answer: "Because I've worked with the oldest player in this industry, I can help you avoid some of the mistakes we made in our established markets."
Advice: This question addresses your motivation in adding "true value" to the job. Evaluate the job carefully, considering current limitations or weaknesses in the department and your unique abilities. Your ability here to prove "I offer what you need and then some" could land you the job.
Q: Being Specific
Sometimes in interviews, you will be asked questions that lend themselves to be answered vaguely or with lengthy explanations. Take this opportunity to direct your answer in a way that connects you with the position and company, and be succinct and support your answer with appropriate specific examples.
Sample Question: "Why did you choose this particular career path?"
Answer: "I chose advertising because I have always been a strong communicator with a good eye for design. I have a particular interest in creating dynamic eye-catching pieces that support a new product being introduced to the market. I also like the fast-paced high-energy environment that seems to be commonplace in the advertising industry."
Advice: You answer needs to convince the interview that your skills are exactly what they want. They want to know if you have a realistic view of what it is like to work in their industry. Be specific; show them that their industry and your career goals are in sync
Q: Tough questions regarding your past
There may be times an interviewer may ask a question regarding your past that can he hard to dodge. You should answer these carefully and try to come up with answers that can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive response.
Sample Question: I see that you didn't finish school.
Answer: "I decided to leave school because I was working 30 hours a week waiting tables to support myself. I felt that I did not have enough time to devote to my schoolwork. When I do anything, I always give it my full attention."
Advice: The interviewer is trying to gauge what kind of a risk you are. So you tend to complete things or just let them fall by the wayside? Give a good reason why you did not finish or explain why any issues related to it are in the past.
Q: Questions about how you can “Contribute to the company”
Before an employer makes his/her decision to hire you, they will need to know how you have performed in the past and any other special contributions that you can bring to the company
Sample Questions: "Tell me about a special contribution you have made to your employer."
"In my last job, I ran the Fund raiser campaign for three consecutive years. I believe it is an important cause, and I know it is difficult for the company to find volunteers."
Advice: Don’t give long boring answers, instead focus your answers on the actions you took and the positive results that you obtained.
Q: Questions regarding “Helping the Company”
When you are looking for a job, an employer will want to know what you can do to help or improve their company. Now is the time to tell them of your proven skills and knowledge that you have which might be of value to them.
Sample Question: "Give me an example of how you can help my company."
Answer: "In my previous career my biggest contribution was my ability to accurately measure customer satisfaction and to continually feed this information back to our design and production departments. I developed special questionnaires, used focus groups and personally spent 10% of my time talking to customers. This attention to customer satisfaction is relevant in your industry as well. I look forward to adopting my quality program to a new type of product."
Advice: Use an example of a significant contribution you made in your past job that impacted the bottom line. Show how this ability transfers across industries from one functional area to another.
Q: Questions regarding “Salary Expectations”
Everyone wants to make a lot of money working the job they love. You should be honest here, saying that you will be ok working for $30,000 when you think you are worth $40,000 is not a very smart idea. Experience will show that you will lose interest in the job pretty quickly.
Sample Question: "Tell me about your salary expectations."
Answer: "Current salary information published by our State Association indicates a range of $30,000 to $40,000 a year. While I'm not certain how your salaries compare to this industry, my feeling is that my value would certainly be in the upper half of this national range."
Or:-
The Award range for this position is $x to $y over 6 years. In view of my experience in this field and qualifications (years at this level) I would hope to be in the upper half of the range.
Find out the rules as laid down by the Award or if it is a Government job find out the employment policy before going into the interview. Many government departments only employ at the entry level for each employment grade. Your understanding of this could be used as such:
“I understand the policy on entry level appointments but I know that exceptions can be made where particular skills such as mine are needed so I would appreciate the panel considering this in their recommendations.”
Advice: You should answer this question in general terms. Mention the market value for yourself.
Q: "In Five Years…"
Employers will want to know your drive and a sense of what your future holds for you. They would prefer to hire someone with a sense of purpose. Employers may ask you to describe what you see yourself doing in the years to come, whether you will be at one company or another. Telling them you see yourself doing their job may not be the best way to get hired.
Sample Question: "Where do you want to be in five years?"
Answer: "In five years, I would like to have progressed to the point where I have bottom-line responsibility and the chance to lead an operations unit."
Advice: Avoid the urge to describe job titles; this makes you seem unbending and unrealistic, since you do not know or control the system of promotion. Describe new experiences or responsibilities you'd like to add in the future that build on the current job you are applying for.
Q: Question regarding “Previous Bosses”
There will be times in an interview where questions about past co-workers and old bosses will pop up. Telling them how pathetic and bad they are is generally a bad career move.
Sample Question: "Tell me about your relationship with your previous bosses."
Answer: "My bosses would tell you that I've often been a sounding board for them. With all of my bosses, I developed a close rapport."
Advice: The interviewer is looking for a fit between the two of you. As you describe each previous boss, the interviewer will be making mental comparisons between your old bosses and themselves. Be honest but never sound too negative as your employer may consider that as you being a hard person to work with.
Be prepared to encounter most of the following “tough questions” in your interview
Q: “Why do you want to work here?”
To answer this question, you must have researched the company. You should reply with the company’s attributes as you see them. Cap your answer with reference to your belief that this can provide you with a stable and happy work environment—the interviewer’s company has that reputation—and that such an atmosphere would encourage your best work.
Q: “What kind of experience do you have for this job?”
This is a perfect opportunity to sell yourself, but before you do, be sure you know what is most critical to the interviewer. The interviewer is not just looking for a competent engineer, accountant or salesperson; he or she is looking for someone who can contribute quickly to the current projects. When interviewing , companies invariably give everyone a broad picture of the job, but the person they hire will be a problem solver, someone who can contribute to the specific projects in the first six months. Only by asking will you identify the areas of your interviewer’s greatest urgency and therefore interest.
If you do not know the projects you will be involved within the first six months, you must ask. Level-headedness and analytical ability are respected, and you will naturally answer the question more appropriately.
Q: “What did you like/dislike about your last job?”
Most interviews start with a preamble by the interviewer about his company. Pay attention: this information will help you answer the question. In fact, any statement the interviewer makes about the job or corporation can be used to your advantage. Use this to highlight all the positives
Of your last job. Criticizing a prior employer is a warning flag that you could be a problem employee. Keep your answers short and positive.
Q: Why are you leaving your present position?
If your current company is not meeting your expectations, you can often explain this in a positive way. “I need to be challenged to develop my potential further. I’m interested in additional responsibility and new opportunity, which unfortunately are limited at (name of current employer) because of (company size/limited product line/company restructuring or downsizing). The reputation and market focus of (name of prospective employer) offers many opportunities for someone with my training and experience. It’s the ideal environment I’ve been seeking.”
Q: “How long would you stay with the company?”
The interviewer might be thinking of offering you a job. But, employers are aware that the marketplace is such that new hires often do not stay with the company more than two years. Your reply might be: “I would really like to settle down with this company. As long as I am growing professionally, there is no reason for me to make a move.”
Q: “Have you done the best work you are capable of doing?”
Say “yes” and the interviewer will think you’re a has-been. As with all these questions, personalize your work history and include the essence of this reply: “I’m proud of my professional achievements to date, but I believe the best is yet to come. I am always motivated to give my best efforts, and in any job there are always opportunities to contribute when one is alert.”
Q: “How long would it take you to make a contribution to our company?”
Again, be sure to qualify the question: In what area does the interviewer need rapid contributions? You are best advised to answer this question with a question: “That is an excellent question. To help me answer, what do you anticipate my responsibilities will be during the first six or seven months?” You give yourself time to think while the interviewer concentrates on images of you working for the company. When your time comes to answer, start with: “Let’s say I started on Monday the 17th. It will take me a few weeks to settle down and learn the ropes. I’ll be earning my keep very quickly, but making a real contribution…[hesitant pause]…Do you have a special project in mind you will want me to get involved with?” This response could lead directly to a job offer, but if not, you already have the interviewer thinking of you as an employee.
Q: “What would you like to be doing five years from now?”
The safest answer contains a desire to be regarded and a true professional and team player. As far as promotion, that depends on finding a manager with whom you can grow. Of course, you will ask what opportunities exist within the company before being any more specific: “From what I know and what you have told me about the growth here, it seems operations is where you need the effort and where I could contribute most toward the company’s goals.”
Q: “What are your biggest accomplishments?”
Keep your answers job-related, a number of achievements should spring to mind. Do not exaggerate contributions to major projects. You might begin your reply with: “Although I feel my biggest accomplishments are ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with…I made my contribution as part of that team and learned a lot in the process. We did it with hard work, concentration, and an eye for the bottom line.”
Q: “Can you work under pressure?”
You might be tempted to give a simple yes or no answer, but don’t. It reveals nothing and you lose the opportunity to sell your skills and value profiles. Actually, this common question comes from an unskilled interviewer, because it is closed-ended. As such, it does not give you the chance to elaborate. Whenever you are asked one of these, provide a brief yet comprehensive answer and seize the opportunity to sell yourself. For example, you could say: “Yes, I usually find it stimulating. However, I believe in planning and time management in order to reduce panic deadlines within my area of responsibility.”
Q: “How much money do you want?”
This is a knockout question: give the wrong answer, and you will immediately be eliminated. It is always a temptation to ask for the moon knowing you can come down, but that is a poor approach. Companies have strict salary ranges for every job, so giving an ill-considered answer can reduce your job-offer chances to zero. The solution? Try: “I’m making $… . I’m interested in this opportunity and I will seriously consider any reasonable offer you care to make me.”
Q: What are you looking for in your next job?”
Avoid saying what you want the company to give you. You must say what you want in terms of what you can give to your employer. The key word in the following example is “contribution”: “My experience at the XYZ Corporation has shown me I have a talent for motivating people. This is demonstrated by my team’s absenteeism dropping 20%, turnover steadying at 10 percent, and production increasing 12%. I am looking for an opportunity to continue that kind of contribution, and a company and supervisor who will help me develop in a professional manner.”
Q: “Describe a difficult problem you’ve had to deal with.”
This is a favourite tough question. It is designed to probe your professional profile; specifically, your analytical skills: “Well, I always follow a five-step format with a difficult problem. One, I stand back and examine the problem. Two, I recognize the problem as the symptom of other, perhaps hidden, factors. Three, I make a list of possible solutions to the problem. Four, I weigh both the consequences and cost of each solution, and determine the best solution. And five, I go to my boss, outline the problem, make my recommendation, and ask for my supervisor’s advice and approval.” Then give an example of a problem and your solution.
Q: “What would your references say?”
You have nothing to lose by being positive. If you demonstrate how well you and your boss get along, the interviewer does not have to ask, “What do you dislike about your current manager?”
The higher up the corporate ladder you climb, the more likely it is that references will be checked. It is a good idea to ask past employers to give you a letter of recommendation. This way you know what is being said and it reduces the chances the company will have to check references. However, if your references are going to be checked by the company, be aware that they must by law have your written permission. This permission is usually included in the application form you sign.
Q: Tell me a little about yourself.
This is often used as an opening question and requires a brief, well-prepared 60 second advertisement of yourself. A 20 minute soliloquy is definitely not in order. If you are going to display any nervousness in the interview it will be during the first few minutes. Keep your answers to the initial questions fairly brief. This will give you a chance to settle into the situation, will force the interviewer to talk a little more, even if only to ask another question, and will create more of a dialog between the two of you. And a dialog or a good conversation is definitely what you want.
Q: Discuss your work experience.
Provide well-organized, well-supported, specific information. Keep it relevant to the job at hand. It's not necessary to be thorough, giving each job equal time. Focus on the jobs that relate and highlight the parts of the jobs that would be of interest to the interviewer. Cover the rest in a brief, general statement.
Q: What are your goals?
Keep your goals consistent with the goals of the field for which you are interviewing and with those of the employer. Again, your research is important for this answer. Stay away from interviews in which your goals are not in concert with either those of the position or the employer. At best, that just wastes everyone's time. At worst, you might end up getting a job that won't take you where you want to go.
Q: Where do you want to be in five years?
Phrase your answer to this in terms of the next job up the ladder. Don't tell the interviewer you want his or her job! Don't talk about being the president of the company eventually. Keep your answer more immediate.
Q: Why do you want this job?
This question gives you a chance to discuss all you know about the job and why you're such a good match for it. This is another tough question to answer without having done the homework.
Q: How would you describe yourself? What are your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
In describing yourself use only your positive traits. This is no time to present a balanced view. On the other hand, outright bragging doesn't come off well either. Provide some objective support to your answer in discussing your achievements by recounting situations you've been in and how you've behaved, or how you've solved problems.
The weaknesses question may be the most difficult one of the interview. Plan for what you'll say. Stay away from the trite approach, "I'm just a workaholic." Some interviewers might perceive this as threatening. Most will hear it as inauthentic. There are at least two better approaches.
You might focus on a preferred, but peripheral qualification in the job description, particularly if it could be easily learned. Minimize the deficit and focus on your eagerness to learn more about it.
Another effective approach is to actually think about problems you have faced in your life. We seem to be given multiple opportunities to learn lessons in our weak areas. If you can think of a weakness that has given you trouble, you might consider using it. You will probably score points for being genuine. A word of caution--obviously, this flaw can't be irrelevant (like a weakness for chocolate). More importantly, it can't be a fatal flaw, e.g., "I can never seem to meet a deadline," or "I'm always late," or "I hate numbers." It should be something that won't have a profound impact on the work of this position and something you are striving successfully to correct.
Q: Why should I hire you?
Focus on your assets, what you have to offer the employer, the strengths you would bring to the position.
Q: What are your greatest achievements?
Keep these as relevant to the job as possible. Tailor each answer to the objective at hand.
Q: How much of your college expenses did you earn?
Keep in mind that employers are looking for work ethic and they fear it is missing, often as not. If you held the normal part-time and summer jobs to keep yourself in clothing, food, incidentals and your car in gasoline, remember that those expenses add up--possibly to 25 percent or more of your overall living costs.
Q: What are your educational goals?
This may not be the time to divulge that you only want the job to earn money to go back to graduate school full-time. Frame you answer around your love of learning either through formal or informal means, especially as the organization and position might demand.
Q: What are your salary expectations?
You may indicate that this is negotiable, or you may express your expectations in terms of a range of about $4,000. This range must be realistic or the employer may assume you really know very little about the field. Your research on this is important. There are good resources in the Career Center Library. A career counselor and the Alumni Network can also be helpful.
Q: Why do you want to work for us?
This is a good opportunity to discuss all that you've learned about the organization and to use that as a major part of the reason you want the job. More Interview Questions Questions about your qualifications
- How do you think a friend or someone who knows you well would describe you?
- What do you think is your greatest weakness?
- Can you summarize the contribution you would make to our organisation?
- What accomplishment has given you the most satisfaction?
- Tell me about your experiences at school.
- What has been the most rewarding university experience?
- Please tell me about the greatest professional assignment you've ever handled.
- Tell me about your most significant work experience.
- How would those who have worked with you describe you?
- Why are you the best candidate for this position?
- Have you ever supervised anyone?
- Why are you interested in this job?
- What do you know about us?
- What qualities should a successful manager possess?
- In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
- What criteria are you using to evaluate the organization for which you hope to work?
- Are you a team player?
- How do you handle conflict?
- How do you work under pressure?
- What major problem have you encountered and how have you dealt with it?
- How competitive are you?
- What do you expect from your supervisor?
- Describe the relationship that should exist between a supervisor and those reporting to him or her
- What are your long-term career goals? When and why did you establish these goals and how are you preparing yourself to achieve them?
- What are the most important rewards you expect in your business career?
- What do you do in your spare time?
- What kind of salary are you looking for?
- Are you willing to relocate?
- Did you ever have a group leader or boss you disliked? Why did you dislike him/her?
- How would someone who dislikes you describe you?
- Talk about a group situation in which there were problems. How did you handle the situation and what was the outcome? What role did you play in the group? How could the group improve its performance?
- Tell me about a time when you experienced a failure and how you reacted to it.
- Tell me about a time when you were under considerable pressure to meet one or more goals.
- Describe a situation where you had to resolve a problem at work and explain how you resolved it.
- Give me an example of how you are a risk taker.
- If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
- What motivates you?
- Why do you want to work for us and not for our competitor?
- Why should we hire you over everyone else we spoke to today?
- What do you think is the most important/difficult ethical dilemma facing corporations today?
- Give a one sentence positioning statement of yourself.
- How do you go about deciding what to do first when given a project?
- Tell me about an experience you have had in a working environment (school, work, or community).
- Describe a situation where you did not agree with something your boss asked you to do and how you resolved the problem.
- Can you work under pressure?
- What did you like/dislike about your last job?
- What would you like to be doing five years from now?
- What was the most recent journal article that you read in relation to your work?
- What professional organisations do you belong to?
- As a team worker you may be asked to lead the team – tell me what you understand to be the most important aspects of doing this?
- Two members of your team develop a conflict over a personal matter and you need to prevent the situation from escalating – what is your approach to resolving the matter?
- How did you select your university?
- Why did you choose your major?
- What were your favorite classes? Least favorite?
- Tell me about a problem you've had and how you solved it.
- How has your education (or experience) prepared you for this position?
- What did you like most about the jobs you've held? Least?
- Why do you want this particular job?
- Do you feel your transcript reflects your true ability?
- Of what value were your extracurricular activities?
- What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
- How do you spend your free time?
- What type of relationship do you like to have with your supervisor?
- How does this job contribute to your overall career goal?
- Are you willing to relocate?
- Do you work well under pressure?
- How do you define success?
- Describe your ideal job.
- What do you know about our organization?